President William Ruto has announced a minimum wage increase for Kenyan workers.
Speaking while presiding over the 60th Labor Day celebrations at Chavakali Boys High School in Vihiga County on Friday, May 1, Ruto announced a 12 percent increase in general wages and a 15 percent increase for agricultural workers.
“In recognition of the sacrifice, resilience, and immense contribution of our workers to the growth and stability of our economy, I am pleased to announce a 12 percent increase in general wages and a 15 percent increase in agricultural wages to all Kenyan workers,” President Ruto announced.
Ruto Announces 12% Wage Increase for Kenyan Workers
The increase comes after Francis Atwoli, the Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), urged the Head of State to raise wages by up to 23 percent
“If you grant workers at least a 23 percent minimum wage increase, your government will remain stable. Former President Kibaki offered wage increases of 22 percent, 18 percent, and 14 percent, and things worked well. I believe you can do even more,” he said.
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While trade unions have been pushing for the increase, employers under the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) called for a halt on wage hikes.
The employers warned the government against implementing a proposed 7 percent wage increment for salaried workers, cautioning that it could strain businesses already struggling with the current economic situation.
FKE Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Mugo on Friday, April 24, said many businesses continue to face mounting pressures, including high taxes, with some already undergoing restructuring or closures.
“As a federation of Kenyan employers, we are aware that the last review for minimum wage increases was done two years ago,” Mugo stated.
“But we are also aware that businesses are struggling, and we will be appealing to the government to balance the interests of businesses and the interests of employees.”
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During the Labor Day address, the President said the government is formally recognizing construction work as a skilled profession through institutions such as the National Industrial Training Authority and the National Construction Authority.
He noted that more than 2,000 artisans, including 180 women, have already been certified under the Recognition of Prior Learning programme.
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Ruto also confirmed that Kenya has completed the ratification process for International Labour Organisation Conventions No. 189 and No. 190, covering decent work for domestic workers and the elimination of workplace violence and harassment.
He noted that the Ministry of Labour is now in the final stages of preparing the necessary instruments for submission to Cabinet in accordance with the Treaty Making and Ratification Act and other applicable legal frameworks.
